(FREE: Not For Sale) 2

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2 (FREE: Not For Sale) 2

3 Lost? Someone is looking for you All of us have been lost at one time or another. In fact, you may be lost right now or facing a hopeless situation. Maybe it s a problem with your health or finances. Maybe it s your family, or an addiction of some kind. Or maybe you re just running away from someone or something in search of happiness. But the truth is - you re lost and you know it. Maybe it s never occurred to you to simply stop for a moment and consider that someone who has the desire and ability to solve your problems may be looking for you. 3

4 Whatever it is that s brought you right here and right now, please take a moment and continue on: there is something you need to understand. Someone very powerful, generous and kind is looking for you right now! You may feel lost and alone, but He has His eye on you. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10) He loves you with an unconditional love and has the desire and ability to take care of whatever problem you are facing. No matter how hopeless your situation may be, no matter what you may have done, He is the one Person who can provide the very thing you need right now. 4

5 Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6) The Lord Jesus Christ, the creator of the heavens and the earth, is looking for you now. Why? It s simple: He loves you! And walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. (Eph 5:2) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10) 5

6 God desires all people to be eternally saved and to have a personal relationship with Him. He is the Great Shepherd and when you are lost, He will show you the WAY. The first thing He wants you to know is the WAY to salvation so you can accept His free gift to live with Him forever. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. (1 Tim 2:3-6) 6

7 You see, God sent His Son into this world to pay the price for every sin that ever was or will be committed, and this includes yours. The Lord Jesus Christ is the God-Man who died on the cross to pay the price just for you. He was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day in order to prove who He was and to provide complete assurance that you are justified forever when you believe in Him. Salvation is a free gift! You don't deserve it, and you cannot earn it. It's simply faith alone in Christ alone, period. The Bible says, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31) 7

8 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16) If you have never made the decision to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you can do so right now, wherever you are, whatever you re doing. This is a private matter between you and God; just tell God the Father in your own way that you are trusting in his Son, The Lord Jesus Christ, for your eternal salvation. It s that simple for He says, AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU. Behold, now is THE ACCEPTABLE TIME, behold, now is THE DAY OF SALVATION (2 Cor 6:2) 8

9 If you have believed (trusted) in Jesus Christ for salvation, then you are eternally saved (PERIOD)! God has declared you to be completely righteous. You will spend eternity in heaven with God and there is nothing you or anyone else can do to change it. You have been found by The Lord Jesus Christ and He will never leave you. And I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:28) or He Himself has said, I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU, (Heb 13:5) 9

10 God wants you to know this as a fact. Not to play some religious game of hoping for it, not to do a bunch of good works so you can try to earn it. And certainly not to live in some pious way to keep yourself worthy. He desires you to simply accept His free gift of salvation by grace through faith. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph 2:8-9) The next time somebody asks you where you will go when you die, you can tell them Heaven, because the Lord Jesus Christ died for me! 10

11 God has a plan for you Your salvation by grace through faith is THE monumental turning point in your entire life, and it's only the beginning. Once you have believed, you are ready to take the next steps of your brand new Spiritual Life. Whatever else you do, do not put off making your decision about believing in Christ a moment longer. God has an extremely personal plan for your life, one which He created long before you were even born. He knows you intimately in ways simply not possible to comprehend. The Bible says that even the hairs of your head are numbered by God. 11

12 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (Mat 10:30) God is not the author of confusion, and He wants you to discover exactly what this plan is all about and exactly what He has provided just for you. That s why He inspired men to write the Bible. And the Bible tells us that at the moment of your salvation, God did so many amazing things for you that you could spend your entire life learning about them and still not comprehend all that He has done. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (Eph 1:3) Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 12

13 To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Pet 3:18) LISTEN UP, this is of extreme importance... God has provided everything we need to live an amazing life that is full of joy and blessing. And yet most people are lost, living lives of desperation. Many are in fact believers in Christ and are going to heaven. But the way they live, what they say and how they think, make it clear they really don t believe they are saved. Or, if they do, they don t have a clue about what being saved really means. 13

14 Jesus Christ spoke about people like this and He compared them to rocky places without much soil. The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. (Mat 13:20-21) The point is, seeds cannot grow in rocky places and they require good soil to take root. In order to produce good soil, you first need the crystal clear water of the gospel of grace, and then the solid food of God s Word for the spiritual life to take root. 14

15 And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty. (Mat 13:23) If I told you that one of your long lost relatives was an extremely wealthy man, and before he died, he provided an amazing inheritance for you, what would you do? Would you simply go on living life as you are, or would you try everything in your power to find out about this inheritance and claim what is rightfully yours? Well, the fact is that God is the wealthiest Person in the universe, and you are His lost relative. He has been searching for you, hoping that you let Him find you and make you rich. 15

16 If you re a believer in Christ, you are God's heir and the beneficiary of the most amazing gifts in the universe! Check it out The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (Rom 8:16-17a) In fact, what you already possess is far greater than any money or treasure this world could ever offer. The God of the heavens and earth desires to have an intimate relationship with you and to shower you with His grace and mercy. The Lord Jesus Christ said, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6) 16

17 The way is salvation by faith. The truth is God s Word (the Bible). And the life is the abundant life that He has waiting for you. God's plan for your life will unfold as you learn all about Him and what He has done for you. Living life becomes meaningful as you discover all that God has provided just for you by faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Your Shepherd risked His life to find you so you could have an amazing new life. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) 17

18 What about this Inheritance? YOU ARE ROYALTY! That's right. Through your faith in Jesus Christ, you have been placed in union with the King of everything. You are made a royal priest, a royal ambassador, a literal son of the all mighty God, and richer than any billionaire this world has ever seen. At the moment of faith in Christ, God made you a new creation and provided you a brand new nature! Your new nature is 100% perfect in the sight of God. What He has provided for you is so amazing that there are no words that can describe it properly. This is why God and His family are so determined to find you and give you the good news! 18

19 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost! (Luke 15:6) The Bible says that eye has not seen and ear has not heard all that God has prepared for those who love Him. And that His gifts are exceedingly and abundantly beyond all you could ask or think. (1 Co 2:9, Eph 3:20) However, God is a gentleman and He leaves the choice to you. You are free to choose to live in this world by sight, or to walk by faith and discover all that you already possess and take hold of the abundant life He has waiting for you. 19

20 What now? Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ is the single greatest decision you can ever make. Whether you believed in Christ 10 minutes ago, or 10 years ago, it is vital to recognize what God s will is for you AFTER salvation. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:3-4) After salvation, God s will is for you to come to the knowledge of the truth. That means you need to consistently grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. (Col 2:6); and we know we received Him by grace through faith (Eph 2:8). 20

21 As a believer, your job is very simple learn what s in His Word (the Bible) and apply it to your life by faith. That s all there is to it! The Bible calls this becoming a disciple, which is a fancy way of saying a disciplined student of the Bible. If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (John 8:31-32) The LORD has provided all the help you need to live this amazing new life. At the moment of your salvation, God the Holy Spirit comes to live inside your body forever. There is nothing that you could do or that could ever happen that would cause Him to leave you. He is your permanent Helper in residence. 21

22 In addition to that, God has provided a pastor-teacher which He carefully selected just for you. The pastor-teacher will teach you what the Bible has to say. Then the Holy Spirit takes over and makes that truth understandable to you, and at the same time prepares it for you to be able to use that truth in your daily life. A pastor-teacher is one of the grace gifts from God to you as His child after salvation. So, take the gift! Sit under the teaching of a prepared pastor who teaches the Bible so you can learn about all the things that God has already provided for you. 22

23 Some basics to get you started after you have believed in Christ for salvation. 1: Confess your sins often. God does not expect you to be perfect. He knows our weaknesses, and He knows that we all fail. When you fail, simply confess any known sins privately to God the Father. The Bible says to simply confess If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jo 1:9) That s it. You are instantly forgiven, no questions asked and no penance required. Then you are right back in fellowship with God, ready to keep living this amazing life He has for you. 23

24 Your sins are not the issue; God took care of them at the cross. So, apply this verse to your life as often as needed. 2: Study God s Word daily. Learning the Bible is the most important thing you can do! The Bible is called the mind of Christ, and so in His Word He s given us everything we need to accomplish what He has planned for us. Like food on the table, if you don t eat the Word it will not be useful to you. God s Word is alive and powerful... MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD. (Mat 4:4) For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any twoedged sword (Heb 4:12) 24

25 If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (Joh 8:31-32) So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. (Rom 10:17) All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Ti 3:16-17) 3: Pray often. Keep it simple; pray as Jesus taught us by addressing your prayers to God the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit (this means make sure to confess any known sins first!) and in Jesus name. 25

26 The Bible teaches us to pray with faith, in thanksgiving, and to ask specifically for our needs. The Bible says Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and He who seeks finds, and to Him who knocks it will be opened. (Mat 7:7-8) Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. (Mar 11:24) With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit (Eph 6:18) 26

27 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Th 5:16-18) Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13) 4: Faith Rest. This is the simple technique of claiming a promise from the Word and applying it by faith to whatever problem you are facing. Step one is to learn some promises, and step two is to apply them when you need to. Here are some favorites to get you started: Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 Jo 4:4) 27

28 The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning (Lam 3:22) As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psa 103:12) Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:1) And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:19) Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1Pe 5:7) 28

29 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Rom 8:28) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Rom 8:32) He Himself has said, I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU. (Heb 13:5) For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, (2Co 4:17) 29

30 Get Moving! So don t let your past, your problems, or other people hold you back for one minute longer! You once were lost, but now you re found! From here on out you can always know the way. Jesus Christ is the way, and the truth, and the life. You will always find meaning and purpose in life by going to God s word. The Bible says to forget what lies behind and reach forward with urgency to the things ahead that God has prepared for you. God s graces are new every morning. This is your day. This is the day that the Lord has made for you to rejoice and be glad because of Him. Embrace that Shepherd who has never stopped searching for you. 30

31 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (believers, you!), and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. (Eph 1:18-19) The End 31

32 This brief pamphlet was prepared by the people at Lighthouse Bible Church in Deerfield Beach, Florida to help you see Christ, your Shepherd, who has everything you have been looking for in life. All scripture is taken from the New American Standard Version 32

33 Lighthouse Bible Church is dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ and providing accurate Bible teaching from the original languages of scripture. Lighthouse Bible Church 1307 S Federal Highway Deerfield Beach, FL (954)

34 Remember, if you are not yet a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, the issue is SALVATION. The Bible says in Acts 16:31, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you WILL be saved. If you are born again and saved, the issue is LIVING THE SPIRITUAL LIFE God has for you in fellowship with Him. John 10 :10 I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Here again are basics of living the spiritual life: 1. Confess your sins often. 2. Study God s word daily. 3. Pray often. 4. Faith Rest. 34

35 NOTES 35